By Michael Fishbin, Global Hospitality Leader, Ernst & Young: Global economic confidence continues to improve as credit availability expands, industry fundamentals strengthen and companies focus on growth.

By Michael Fishbin, Global Leader, Ernst & Young Hospitality Services Practice: According to a survey of senior executives from large companies around the world conducted late last year by Ernst & Young, optimism for the global economy has weakened.

By Michael Fishbin, Global Leader, Ernst & Young Hospitality Services Practice: In the wake of continued economic and political uncertainty, real estate capital markets have displayed mixed results, and there are signs of pent-up investor demand.